Have you ever laid eyes on the perfect suit or dress, only to find that, after trying it on, it doesn’t fit you well? While this can be disappointing, it’s not a dead end—alterations from a professional tailor will allow you to enjoy your favorite new ensemble and its flattering effects. Before you stop by for a fitting, use the following tips to make the most of your garment’s alterations.

How to Wind Up With the Perfect Alterations

1. Find a Garment Close to Your Size

While alterations are born out of necessity—you won’t need them if you’re already satisfied with how something fits—it’s important not to start off with unrealistic expectations. Since the tailor won’t have the same exact fabric, they can’t make your clothing six sizes larger. Only count on an adjustment of one to two sizes at most. Delicate fabrics—such as satin—will even reveal original seam lines when let out, which you may not be happy with.

2. Aim for Quality Over Cost-Effectiveness

Alterations take years of experience to learn how to do well, and in some cases, the process will be pain-staking. With this in mind, don’t jump to work with a tailor or seamstress that offers suspiciously low prices—you may get what you pay for. To find out if a shop is known for meticulous attention to detail and durable results, look at their online reviews.

3. Include Your Undergarments

Before the alterations begin, you’ll likely have to come into the shop for a fitting. During this appointment, you’ll be instructed to try on the garment, and the tailor will take measurements and make markings to guide their work. Don’t forget to bring and wear your undergarments during a fitting. These will almost certainly change the way the garment fits, so they’re essential to the measuring process.

1. Accessories

It is important to also wear any accessories with your outfit such as belts, watches, shoes and jewelry. This is because the absence of these items can affect how the outfit looks overall and it is best to have an idea of what the entire outfit looks like altogether.

If you’ve found the perfect outfit in a not-so-perfect size, stop by Powell Cleaners for help. With three convenient locations in Dublin and Powell, OH, it’s easy to fix your wardrobe and feel good wearing it. For more information about their dry cleaning and alteration services, visit their website. You can also call (614) 792-1118 to ask further questions about the tailoring process.